Abstract: An electric-component transferring apparatus having a suction testing function, including at least one suction device which sucks and holds an electric component by a negative pressure; a suction-device moving device which moves the suction device; a negative-pressure control device which controls the negative pressure supplied to the suction device; a negative-pressure measuring device which measures the negative pressure of the suction device; and a test control device which controls the suction-device moving device, the negative-pressure control device, and the negative-pressure measuring device so that the suction-device moving device moves the suction device to a position where the negative-pressure measuring device is present and the measuring device measures the negative pressure of the suction device.

Abstract: A method and device for sampling the pressure of inert purge gas flowing in two pipes to be welded at a joint comprising a sleeve for encircling the pipes during their coaxial alignment in end to end abutment, and an associated element with the sleeve forming a sealed chamber surrounding the joint and receiving gas that leaks out from the joint at the same pressure as the gas in the pipes, and a connection for connecting the chamber for measuring the pressure of the gas therein as an indication of the pressure of the gas flowing in the pipes; the method includes clamping the device around the pipes or sliding the pipes into the device.

Abstract: An method and apparatus for testing of gas cylinders which combines a cylinder preparation station, a cylinder test station, a system controller for controlling data entry and cylinder testing, the system controller comprising a data entry device located near the cylinder preparation station, a test control device located near the cylinder station, and a memory comprising a cylinder test condition database and a cylinder test database. The apparatus is programmed to conduct a process comprising the steps of entering data from a cylinder into the data entry device, selecting test conditions for the cylinder from the cylinder test condition database, testing the cylinder using the test conditions, and adding test results for the cylinder to the cylinder test results database.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting leakage through a filtration membrane which comprises a gas-supplying source for supplying a gas to one of two spaces formed by partition with the filtration membrane, a gas-detecting device for measuring the degree of leakage of the gas into the other space, and further preventing the undesirable influence of the supplied gas on the gas-detecting device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for proof testing an assembled mechanical heart valve prosthesis having a valve body and at least one movable occluder wherein at least one of the components has a surface of nonmetallic crystalline material, such as pyrocarbon, in which microcrack growth may occur. The assembled valve prosthesis is subjected to fluid loading with the occluder in the closed position so as to create omnidirectional pressure of at least 20 psig therewithin on the downstream side of the occluder. During fluid loading of the assembled valve, acoustic monitoring is carried out using a transducer to detect sounds that are indicative of crack nucleation and/or incremental crack extension, based upon a predetermined fail-pass criterion. Any valve prosthesis wherein sounds of a greater magnitude are detected is rejected.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring hydraulic flow quantities and leaks in a specimen, including a measuring section to which the specimen is coupled and a capacitive sensor disposed in the measuring section. The measuring section can be acted upon both by at least one measurement medium and by at least one pressure medium. For generating a pressure acting on the measurement medium an inlet/outlet for the measurement medium is embodied on a side of the measuring section remote from the specimen, and an inlet/outlet for the pressure medium is disposed directly on the measuring section, on a side of the measuring section toward the specimen.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining, prior to initiating filling of a fuel tank, the volume of the fuel tank that does not contain liquid, the method comprising the steps of: placing a vapor supply conduit in sealing relationship to the fuel tank; injecting a known volume of vapor through the vapor supply conduit into the fuel tank; measuring the amount the known volume of vapor increases the pressure of the fuel tank; and determining the volume of the tank that does not contain liquid from the known volume of vapor, and the measured amount of pressure increase. In preferred embodiments this method also determines if the fuel tank is equipped with a canister for removal of hydrocarbons from vapors displaces by fuel, and if the fuel tank has a leak by analysis of the rate at which pressure decreases after injection of the vapor. The method is also preferably used as a step in a method of automated refuelling of a vehicle.

Abstract: Method for regulating hyperbaric chamber pressure at a prescribed level while a continuous supply of fresh gas flows into the hyperbaric chamber. Apparatus consists of a hermetically sealed pressure vessel plenum with a cavity that contains a gas regulating device. Sealed pressure piping means connects the gas regulating device intake to a hyperbaric chamber port. Sealed pressure piping means connects the gas regulating device vent though the plenum housing to the atmosphere. The plenum cavity has a port with a valve through which sealed piping means receives gas pressure from the hyperbaric chamber. Convenient management of hyperbaric chamber pressure at a determined pressure level can occur with closure of plenum valve during hyperbaric chamber pressurization. After closure of plenum valve any additional gas flow into hyperbaric chamber will vent through the gas regulating apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for verifying positive inflation of an inflatable element include electrical switches or sensors adapted to be actuated when sufficient element to borehole wall contact is achieved. The device may be a micro switch similar to that used in a calculator button, proximity switch or may employ a spear type arrangement wherein a spear is connected to one lead and is isolated from the other lead by insulation and wherein the spear is forced radially inwardly by the radially outwardly expansion of the cover on the element against the borehole wall. Upon piercing the insulation, the spear will have connected first and second leads that such connection being detectable via hard wire to the surface and electrical continuity whereby downhole electronics or intelligence whereby a downhole signal generator using any type of telemetry to communicate uphole.

Abstract: An air cargo container includes a relatively-rigid housing defining an air-tight interior space of nominal volume within which to receive cargo. The housing substantially maintains the nominal volume of the interior space upon pressurizing or evacuating the interior space relative to ambient pressure, whereby a differential interior pressure is achieved before loading the container aboard an aircraft. Where the differential interior pressure is achieved by pressurizing the interior space, air or another suitable gas is injected under pressure into the housing. Where the differential interior pressure is obtained by evacuating the housing's interior space, or where the process of pressurizing the interior space includes a prior evacuation step, the gases drawn from within the housing are preferably analyzed to detect the presence of contraband within the received cargo. Sensors on the housing confirm that an achieved interior pressure is substantially maintained over time.

Abstract: A device for detection of a defined relative position of a first, movable means, relatively a second, fixed means and including a sensor (1) arranged at least at one of the first and second means which sensor is provided with a pressure sensing means (CC.sub.M). The sensor (1) gives rise to an electric detector signal, which indicates whether the defined relative position has been taken. The sensor (1) is also provided with a closed cavity (13) which communicates with a pressure sensing means (C.sub.M) and with means (14/36/45) to momentarily limit the volume of the cavity and thereby create a pressure pulse adapted to activate the pressure sensing means of the sensor. The detector device includes means to convert the pressure pulse to a detection signal to detect the defined relative position.

Abstract: A method of predicting rupture failure for corroded transmission pipelines uses a model that accounts for the effects of residual and thermal stresses, and settlement of the pipe following installation. The pressure required for failure under a fixed bending moment is different from the pressure required wherein the same bending moment is produced by the settlement of the pipe because the bending compliance increases with plastic straining. The failure criterion depends upon whether or not the hoop strain exceeds the difference between the ultimate hoop strain limit of the material and the remaining hoop strain capacity needed for the material to shed the axial stresses due to bending.

Abstract: The present invention provides a single compact fitting for air, CO.sub.2, or nitrogen pressure testing either gas piping or waste piping. Each fitting is used for gas pipes of a particular outside diameter and waste pipes of a single larger diameter. The typical plumber would have a set, for example four, of the inventive fittings available, one for each size waste pipe that is be tested. The inventive fitting couples easily to either gas fuel piping or waste piping. A single air-pressure gauge is used to test either type of piping system. The inventive fitting is not limited to waste, vent, or gas piping systems; it can also be used to couple to other piping systems. The inventive fitting, in addition to being more versatile than conventional air-pressure test fittings, is also smaller and more compact.

Abstract: A pressure testing apparatus can pressure test separately a first object having a width and a height and a second object having a width and a height. The first object can be, for example, a fiber optic repeater; the second object can be, for example, a fiber optic branch unit. The pressure testing apparatus has a testing vessel and an adaptor. The testing vessel has a chamber with an inner width corresponding to the width of the first object and a first gap. The adaptor can be selectably insertable into the chamber of the testing vessel and has an inner width and an outer width. The outer width of the adaptor corresponds to the inner width of the chamber of the testing vessel and a second gap. The inner width of the adaptor corresponds to the width of the second object and a third gap.

Abstract: A current collecting shoe for transferring energy from a catenary wire to rolling stock, includes a sheath constructed and arranged for fixing to a pantograph carried by the rolling stock, a wearing strip including graphite mounted on the sheath, a longitudinal slot or boring in the wearing strip and a tubular section disposed within the boring or at least partially within the slot. The tubular section is thermally stable at a temperature of at least 400.degree. C., and constructed of a material having a hardness of at least 4 on the Mohs scale and an electrical conductivity greater than graphite. This tubular section acts as an electrical conductor to transfer energy from the wearing strip to the rolling stock, and is constructed and arranged for sealing with a fluid therein and connection to a fluid pressure detection means.

Abstract: A device for evaluating air removal is subjected to a sterilization process whose effectiveness is dependent on a sufficiently high vacuum being achieved. A closure or lid (20, 70) seals an opening into an interior chamber (12) of a container (10). The closure and container are mechanically interconnected, e.g., fricitonally, such that a preselected pressure differential across the closure is needed to release the closure. The friction or other mechanical interconnection level and a pressure in the interior chamber are selected such that when the exterior of the container is subject to a preselected vacuum, the closure releases. Ease or reliability of reading the indication is improved with a spring (50) for expelling the closure or a frangible member (56, 72) which is severed or irreversibly deformed as the closure releases.

Abstract: A failed hollow fiber is located in a membrane filtration module by supplying a gas under pressure to the space between fibers and shell, wetting the ends of fibers, and monitoring the ends of the fibers for bubble formation.

Abstract: This device (1) produces a steep-fronted liquid pressure wave which strikes a body (12) to be tested with an adjustable table pressure. The device has a measuring tube (10) within or to which the body (12) is fixed, and which has a pressure-proof observation window (13, 14) and a pressure-relief valve (15). A pressure tube (20) with a compression system (25) which compresses a gas is closed on one side by a first diaphragm (29) which forms part of a chamber (27) that is provided with a valve (25). The chamber is closed by a second diaphragm (19) located opposite the diaphragm (29). In tube (10), a piston (18) is movable on guides (17) up to a braking device. To carry out the method, an amount of liquid which only partially fills the tube (10) is applied to the pistons In the chamber (27), a pressure equal to half the bursting strength of the diaphragms (29, 19) is set. The pressure in the tube (20) is increased until the bursting strength is exceeded.

Abstract: A pressure container that easily fixes a sample or installs various measurement sensors onto a material tester before initiating various tests under an ambient pressure using the material tester, the container including a cover member that is mounted on the bottom surface of an upper loading frame plate with the loading cylinder of the material tester penetrating the center thereof, a bottom member that is mounted on the top surface of a lower loading frame plate with the platen of the material tester penetrating the center thereof, and a cylindrical side wall member having the same outer diameter as the cover member and the same inner diameter as the bottom member. The side wall member is disposed so as to slide vertically around the bottom member and can be detachably fixed to the cover member in its uppermost position in which the side wall member touches the cover member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for pressurizing a standardized two-liquid propulsion system of a geostationary satellite comprising a high pressure helium storage unit (10) having at least one helium storage tank, a regulating unit (11) and a pressurizing unit for propellant tanks (17, 18) interconnected by a pressurizing circuit, wherein the regulating unit is an electronic regulating unit comprising at least one electrovalve (51), positioned at a location of the pressurizing circuit and controlled by a processing and control circuit (54), which receives informations from pressure sensors (43, 47, 48) associated with the different tanks, said processing and control circuit permitting a constant pressure pressurization of the propellant tanks (17, 18) by flow lines including a combination of pyrotechnic valves, filter elements and calibrated leak elements during the satellite transfer and placing in position phase and a measurement of the residual propellant quantity during the orbital life phase of the sa

Abstract: An improved air pressure sensor control system operable to sense the presence or absence of workpieces and other articles, to sense the position and orientation of such articles, to sense the size of such articles with respect to predetermined parameters, to sense multiple criteria and multiple applications, and to operate under adverse environmental conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting obstructions of a flow line. A detector housing is provided having a cavity therein. The detector housing has first and second openings into the cavity. The flow line is attached to the detector housing establishing a flow path through the first opening, the cavity, and the second opening, respectively. A pressure detector detects changes in pressure within the cavity, indicating the presence of an obstruction.

Abstract: The system and method prepare a gas stream comprising particles at a known concentration using a particle disperser for moving particles from a reservoir of particles into a stream of flowing carrier gas. The electrostatic charges on the particles entrained in the carrier gas are then neutralized or otherwise altered, and the resulting particle-laden gas stream is then diluted to provide an acceptable particle concentration. The diluted gas stream is then split into a calibration stream and the desired output stream. The particles in the calibration stream are detected to provide an indication of the actual size distribution and concentration of particles in the output stream that is supplied to a process chamber being analyzed.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for monitoring impending faults in the integrity of a component or structure in static or dynamic application. The apparatus includes a sealed cavity on or within the component or structure connected to a source of constant vacuum. The connection between the cavity and the source incorporates a device of high impedance fluid flow and a monitor for monitoring the change in pressure between the cavity and the source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aspirating and dispensing a sample fluid. The apparatus includes an air source having an output port coupled to a first port of a flow through pressure transducer. A second port of the flow through pressure transducer is coupled to a first port of a sample probe. The flow through pressure transducer provides transducer signals to a detector circuit. In response to the transducer signals provided thereto, the detector detects the occurrence or non-occurrence of a plurality of different events.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the vacuum of a vacuum switch having at least one vacuum switch tube with a switch chamber and switch contacts is provided. The apparatus has a remotely interrogatable pressure measurement sensor in the form of a piezocrystal or surface acoustic (SAW) device arranged in the interior of the vacuum switch tube and a remote interrogation device placed external to the vacuum switch for monitoring the vacuum via the sensor.

Abstract: The bias force between two objects is measured with an expansion element which is adapted to be inserted between the two objects. The expansion element is formed with a flexible contact surface for contacting the objects. The flexible contact surface is formed by a flexible envelope of a pressure cushion. A pressure source is in fluidic communication with the pressure cushion. The pressure in the expansion element is a measure of a magnitude of the bias force between the two objects. The device is particularly suited for measuring the bias force between two mutually contacting cylinder bearers in a rotary printing machine. The expansion element is thereby inserted into a gap formed between two cylinders and it is thereupon subjected to pressure from the pressure source, which forces the cylinders apart until a gap appears between the cylinder bearers. The pressure measured at that instant corresponds to the magnitude of the bias force between the cylinder bearers.

Abstract: A process for closing cooling holes of an airfoil includes the steps of providing an airfoil having a plurality of cooling holes, closing desired holes of said plurality of cooling holes by applying an ultraviolet curable material over the holes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for measuring pressure in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine is provided with a non-intrusive, metal-embedded fiber optic pressure sensor. A Fabry-Perot Interferometer is arranged in a terminated, single mode fiber to function as a pressure gauge. The fiber Fabry-Perot Interferometer (FFPI) is embedded in a metal part which is disposed in the cylinder head of the engine. The metal part and FFPI experience a longitudinal compression in response to the pressure in the chamber. In another aspect of the invention, a non-intrusive fiber containing the FFPI is embedded in a hole drilled or otherwise provided in the metal housing of a spark plug. The spark plug is threaded into the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine and is directly exposed to the combustion chamber pressure. Consequently, the spark plug housing and FFPI experience a longitudinal strain in response to the pressure in the chamber.

Abstract: A small puff of air is periodically exhausted through a semi-permeable stainless mesh (23) filter upward through the plane of the roadway surface. The puff of air is created by a miniature air pump (14) and timer, typically On one half second and Off 30 seconds. The timing can be adjustable. The puff of air is delivered to the sensor (20) through hose (5). When ice on pavement has formed over the sensor (20), it blocks the release of the air puff. This causes pressure to build up, triggering the pressure switch (16) which then turns on output switch (17) which can then be used to turn on any number of warning devices.

Abstract: A device for detecting perforations in film includes a camera body or other optical instrument body. A pressure plate is disposed at a rear of the body and has a channel that allows access of a sensor output to detect and read film position via the recognition of such perforations in the moving film as it passes through the camera or optical instrument body. The pressure plate maintains the alignment of the film relative to the body. An installation board is aligned and mounted adjacent a rear of the pressure plate. A sensor is attached to the installation board. The sensor is disposed to face a section of the film having perforations through the channel of the pressure plate as the film moves along a film path. The sensor transmits electronic signals corresponding to the position of perforations of the film as the film moves along the film path. The invention provides for the efficient and economical construction of a device having a sensor for detecting perforations in film.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a weld seam between two overlapping sheets of polyethylene comprises a nozzle in air flow communication with an air pressure gauge and an air valve. A clamping device securely holds the nozzle within the air passage located between two parallel weld seams of the overlapped polyethylene sheets and maintains a closed air system. The closed air system is pressurized to a desired air pressure level and maintained at this level for a desired length of time. A drop in air pressure, which is the result of a failure in the weld seam, is quickly noted upon the air pressure gauge permitting corrective action.

Abstract: A measuring device for determining average mass flux, penetration rate, and droplet size both spatially and temporarily in a spray pattern from a spray nozzle. The measuring device includes a movable mounting arrangement that securely positions a spray nozzle such that it can emit a spray pattern along a generally vertical axis. A collection means consisting of a series of collection tubes is positioned below the mounting arrangement such that the collection tubes collect a portion of the spray pattern emitted from the spray nozzle. Each collection tube includes a gas relief opening such that the spray droplets can freely enter the collection tubes. A shutter mechanism is movably positioned between the spray nozzle and the collection means. The shutter mechanism is operated in a timed relation to the pulsing of the injector, such that the shutter mechanism selectively isolates a portion of the spray pattern and the only isolated portion of the spray pattern reaches the collection tubes.

Abstract: A hermetic enclosure 100 comprising a socket 155, an inlet 110 coupled to a compressor 105 via a pressure valve 115, and an outlet 130 coupled to a vacuum generator 140 via a vacuum valve 135, for over pressure testing a pressure sensitive device 10. Locating the pressure sensitive device in the socket 155 in the hermetic chamber 100, applying a predetermined pressure generated by the compressor 105 to the pressure sensitive device in the enclosure 100. Subsequently relieving the predetermined pressure and applying a predetermined vacuum generated by the vacuum generator 140 to the pressure sensitive device 10 to remove fragments of the pressure sensitive device 10, when the pressure sensitive device 10 fails the over pressure test and disintegrates.

Abstract: A method of detecting a malfunction or failure of a pressure regulator in a corrosive or reactive gas distribution system while in use involves continuously measuring or monitoring the output pressure of the pressure regulator, both in the presence and the absence of gas flow. The onset of a malfunction of the pressure regulator can be predicted when the differential output pressure between flowing and non-flowing gas fluctuates highly and increases gradually. Failure of the pressure regulator or of the total system is detected when the differential output pressure in the presence and absence of flowing gas exceeds some experimentally determined value.

Abstract: A physiological simulation device for measuring compliance conditions of a prosthesis, such as stents, grafts and stent-grafts, under simulated physiologic loading conditions. The prosthesis is positioned within a fluid conduit of the fatigue tester, wherein the fluid conduit is filled with a saline solution or other fluid approximating the physiological condition to be tested. The fluids are forced through the fluid conduit from both ends of the fluid conduit in a pulsating fashion at a high frequency, thereby simulating systolic and diastolic pressures. The temperature of the fluid is maintained at a specific (37.degree. C.) temperature via a closed loop PID control system. The fluids are pulsated by a pulse generation system consisting of a voice coil drive motor connected to a bellows assembly. Use of a linear drive motor increases the number of cycles per minute to which the prosthesis may be subjected.

Abstract: Individual pressure sensitive devices 183 fabricated on a wafer 182 are individually over pressure tested by hermetically securing the wafer 182 between a first plate 105 having individual chambers 135 coupled to an inlet 125 thereon, and second plate 110 having individual chambers coupled to an outlet 130 thereon. A predetermined vacuum generated by a compressor 115 coupled to the first plate 105 is applied to the individual pressure sensitive devices 183 on the wafer 182 for a predetermined duration. Subsequently, a predetermined vacuum generated by a vacuum generator 120 coupled to the outlet 130 is applied to the individual pressure sensitive devices 183 on the wafer 182 to remove disintegrated fragments of the individual pressure sensitive devices 183 on the wafer that fail the over pressure test to minimise contamination.

Abstract: A pressure indicating device (30) for providing an indication of the pressure that existed within a fluid filled pressure vessel (22) just prior to depressurization of the pressure vessel. The device comprises: a housing (102); a piston (130) for temporarily sealing an open end of the housing and outwardly movable in response to a pressure differential not less than a predetermined level generated subsequent to the depressurization of the pressure vessel; and a sheer disk (150) including a first part (160) attached to an end of the piston and a second part (162) attached to an end of the housing (102).

Abstract: An improvement on locomotive bubble-type fuel level measuring systems tests or monitors the integrity of the bubble-type pneumatic system by observing the rate of bubble formation, in addition to gauging fuel level. A bubble-type fuel level detection system bubbles a volume of air through a bubble tube. As air exits from the bottom of the tube, bubbles form in the fuel. These bubbles cause small variations in back-pressure in the tube as each bubble grows in size and eventually breaks free from the opening in the tube. The frequency these variations is proportional to the airflow or bubble rate at the bottom of the bubble tube such that pneumatic leaks or other problems can be detected by declaring a problem condition if the bubble rate falls below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a header or platform suspended from a main frame by a suspension permitting movement of the header between a lowered working position and a raised transport position. The suspension includes single-acting float cylinders and a single-acting lift cylinder controlled by an electrohydraulic control system including a programmable microprocessor in which a signal representative of a minimum acceptable float pressure may be set. The microprocessor contains an electronic switch that couples a warning device lead to ground to effect energization of the warning device in response to the microprocessor receiving an electronic signal representative of a float circuit pressure below the minimum acceptable float pressure.

Abstract: A device for measuring woven fabric stress. The device includes a vacuum chamber having high rigidity; a vacuum pump for reducing the pressure in the vacuum chamber; a pressure gauge; a fabric displacement measuring device; and a fabric stress calculator. The vacuum chamber has an opening for sealing engagement with a surface of a fabric under atmospheric pressure. Upon evacuating the air from the vacuum chamber, the atmospheric pressure against the opposite surface of the fabric distends a portion of the fabric into the vacuum chamber. The measure of fabric distension and the reduced pressure reading in the vacuum chamber are transmitted to the fabric stress calculator, which compares the readings to compute a fabric stress reading.

Abstract: A method of and a system for electrically processing vacuum pressure information, which is suitable for use in a vacuum unit. Pressure values are detected and a desired pressure value lower than the highest vacuum pressure value of the detected pressure values is displayed on a displaying device in digital form. The desired pressure value is stored in a storing device. Each of pressure values relative to vacuum, which are detected by a pressure detecting element held in front of a passage communicating with a vacuum port, is converted into a digital signal. The so-converted digital signal is digitally displayed on the displaying device. The desired pressure value stored in the storing device is compared with each of the detected pressure values relative to the vacuum, and information about faulty points is displayed on the displaying device based on the result of comparison.

Abstract: A nose bag applicator for wrapping a balloon or a bag-like fluid-tight cover casing of elastic membranous material on a nose end of a rod-like insertion type internal examination instrument such as an ultrasound probe or ultrasound endoscope, the nose bag applicator including a pinhole checker for testing fluid tightness of the balloon or cover casing by the use of a pressure detector. The pressure detector is constituted by a pressure gauge adapted to monitor pressure variations in a hermetically closed space which is formed within a hollow cylindrical body of the nose bag applicator between a piston member and the balloon or cover casing hermetically fitted on a fore distal end portion of the cylindrical body. A pointer needle on the pressure gauge is deflected according to a pressure differential between the hermetically closed space and the atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A tube is inserted into a first liquid layer, and an air bubble is generated at a tip opening of the tube. The tube is then moved toward a second liquid layer while retaining the air bubble, and a change in the internal pressure of the tube caused by the air bubble reaching the boundary between the first and second liquid layers is detected. After the tip opening of the tube is raised to the top surface of the first liquid layer, the first liquid is sucked up by the tube while the tube is moved to the position where the pressure change was detected.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the testing of air bags in a pressure-sealed container (1), which swivels and is suspended by a frame (5), with lid (11). A removable retainer (16) is in the inside of the container (1) to serve as a receptacle for various air bags or gas producers (30).

Abstract: A concentric mating stent tissue heart valve which is capable of being assembled with a variety of tissue sources is provided. A tester for rapidly testing a tissue heart valve is provided comprising a substantially transparent viewing chamber having a plurality of size-specific mounts for mounting the valve within the chamber. The tester further comprises an element for displacing a volume of solution through the valve to test the opening and closing of the valve and to determine the amount of leakage through the valve when the valve is in a closed position.

Abstract: In an electronic appliance equipped with an electronic wristwatch equipped with a sensor, a trend in various variations such as temperatures, altitude and waterdepths can be visually and intuitively recognized. In the electronic appliance, measurement data constructed of plural digits are acquired in response to output signals from the sensor. The upper digit data among the plural digits of measurement data are digitally displayed by way of an electronic/optical digital display unit, e.g., an LCD display, whereas the lower digit data among the plural digits of measurement data except for the plural digits are displayed by way of either a pointer type display unit, or an electronic/optical analog display unit, e.g., a meter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for pressure testing a body having a chamber by utilizing differential pressures to create a seal, whereby the body can be pressure tested without undesired forces being exerted upon the body.

Abstract: To detect an unpressurized moving container, a fluid such as air is directed at the moving container. Thereafter, a level of deflection of the moving container resulting from the directed fluid is detected. An unpressurized container is indicated when the detected level of deflection exceeds a threshold level. Deflection may be detected by directing a pulse of air or a continuous stream of air against the container. The system is particularly useful in detecting unpressurized, thin-walled aluminum cans.

Abstract: In a method for measuring the flow resistance of a catheter in an implanted medication infusion system, the system having a medication reservoir and a pump that conveys the medication from the reservoir into the patient through a catheter connected to the discharge of the pump via a one-way valve, and having a rinsing input for direct access to the catheter disposed upstream of the catheter and downstream of the pump, the time required in order to pump a pre-determined liquid volume through the catheter via the rinsing input at a predetermined pressure is measured. In a device for such a flow check, a testing device is provided for connection to the rinsing input, which pumps a predetermined liquid volume through the catheter via the rinsing input at a predetermined pressure. Measuring sensors are provided for supplying signals from which the time required for pumping this liquid volume can be determined.